Dareu Dream vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Ocean offer different experiences for users. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch that is well-known for its light actuation and affordability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that provides a more tactile feedback when pressed. While the Dream is easy to press and has a clacky sound, the Ocean offers a different typing experience altogether. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Dream and the Outemu Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This stiff plastic material enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for integrating RGB lighting into the switches, adding a visually appealing element to the overall experience. With similar top housing materials, users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both the Dream and the Ocean switches.
On the other hand, the Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature compared to other plastics, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. This contrasts with the Ocean, which also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches leverage the acoustic properties of nylon to enhance the overall typing experience, providing users with a tactile and auditory feedback that is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing impacts the sound when the key is released. This hybrid approach allows for a balance of different qualities from the nylon and polycarbonate materials used in both the Dareu Dream and Outemu Ocean switches, offering users a diverse and customizable typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Dream switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ocean switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of actuation force, the Dream switch offers a gentler typing experience while the Ocean switch offers a more tactile and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience between the two switches. Despite having the same travel distance, the Dream is a linear switch, which provides smooth and consistent keystrokes, while the Ocean is a tactile switch, offering a bump in the keystroke to indicate actuation. Therefore, the main difference between the two switches lies in their feel rather than their travel distance. Ultimately, whether you prefer a linear or tactile feel will determine which switch is the better option for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
The Outemu Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound, giving off a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Both switches will produce different sound profiles depending on the keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, it is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, making it harder to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.
Overall, the Dareu Dream linear switch stands out for its light linear option, affordability, and easy-to-press feel, while also providing a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the specific qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain unknown, making it challenging to determine how it compares to the Dareu Dream switch. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a light linear feel and a clacky sound, the Dareu Dream switch may be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a light linear switch with a gentle actuation force and an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switches are an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a more distinct typing experience, you may opt for the Outemu Ocean switches. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing feel and sound you prefer. Choose wisely to enhance your overall typing experience.
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